when was the blizzard of 78 in ohio

The “Blizzard of ’78” in Ohio hit on January 26, 1978, with conditions developing late on January 25 and continuing into January 27.

Key timing details

• The worst of the storm in Ohio is marked as Thursday, January 26, 1978 , when the blizzard conditions were statewide.

• Weather began changing rapidly late Wednesday night, January 25, 1978 , when rain and mild temperatures shifted to plunging temperatures, high winds, and heavy snow.

• Blizzard conditions and major impacts (closed roads, including the entire Ohio Turnpike, and widespread shutdowns) lasted through January 27, 1978 , with disruptions continuing for several days.

In most Ohio histories and news retrospectives, the “Blizzard of ’78 in Ohio” specifically refers to the storm of January 26, 1978.